Synthesis of solid powdery rare earth carboxylates by a precipitation method

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to the production of solid, powdery carboxylates of Rare Earth elements, particularly Nd, La, Pr, and Ce, where the ligands coordinated to the metal are preferably long chain, branched carboxylic acids, most preferably 2-ethylhexanoic, neodecanoic (versatic) and naphthenic acids. The process involves batch precipitation of the product by utilizing Rare Earth water soluble salts, preferably Rare Earth nitrates, and salts of the carboxylic acid and washing the product with water, alcohol, water and alcohol mixtures or combinations thereof.



